About Us
Our Story & Mission
At the I Stutter Foundation, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals who stutter across South Africa by breaking societal stigmas, ending schoolyard bullying, and fostering workplace inclusion. Founded on the absolute belief that access to a patient, non-judgmental listening ear is a fundamental human right, our organization works tirelessly to empower over 600,000 South Africans who live with a stutter.
Our mission is to ensure that every person can express themselves freely and confidently without fear of interruption or judgment. We strive to improve emotional well-being, decondition speech anxiety, and educate the public through sustainable, community-driven support systems. By focusing on local school environments, university campuses, and corporate spaces, we create lasting change that elevates individual voices and transforms futures.
How We Started
The I Stutter Foundation was established by Tumi Modibedi, a passionate advocate who recognized the critical need for structured speech support and empathy in South Africa. Having experienced the profound challenges, intense bullying, and isolation of growing up with a speech impediment firsthand, Tumi committed to creating the platform he wished he had as a youth.
Since our launch, our organization has grown into a vital beacon of hope. We have successfully rolled out support initiatives, distributed crucial educational resources to families, and reached thousands of people through our digital channels and community events. Our efforts have resulted in significant improvements in the confidence of young speakers, reduced speech-related anxiety, and shifted how educators and corporate leaders view speech diversity. By breaking down barriers, we enable more children to thrive in classrooms and more adults to excel in their careers.
We Believe in A Collaborative Approach
Student Advocacy & Safe Schools
Highlighting the importance of early intervention and protection, we actively partner with schools and universities to train educators, combat bullying, and ensure students who stutter are never sidelined or mislabeled.
Community Peer Engagement
Demonstrating our commitment to mental health, we host regular public awareness campaigns, local support groups, and our landmark annual International Stuttering Awareness Day Walk to build cross-cultural empathy.
Workplace & Professional Sensitivity
Showcasing a modern approach to diversity and inclusion, we collaborate with human resource departments and corporate leaders to cultivate fair interviewing practices and accommodating professional spaces.
Real People. Real Impact.
Every piece of awareness we raise helps transform a life, bringing confidence, dignity, and a brighter future to individuals who have felt silenced for far too many years. Our initiatives provide direct access to peer support networks, speech tools, and educational guides, leading to healthier emotional development, self-advocacy, and unrestricted career prospects.
Meet a community whose lives are being actively changed. From children who can now confidently speak up in class to professionals who no longer hide away from boardroom presentations, your engagement creates real, lasting change across South Africa.